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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 00-01-28Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
FRIDAY 28 JANUARY 2000 [01] HEADLINESForeign Minister Ioannis Cassoulides said that both Greece and Cyprus are working ferventy but silently on strengthing the island's defence,President Clerides said that the international community's involvement in the third phase of UN resolution efforts will be more dynamic and determined, Lord Owen said there are many good signs that bode well for a Cyprus solution, Rauf Denktash claimed that he has built bridges leading to a confederal solution, Archbishop Chrysostomos has said again that he is opposed to a federal solution, The Council of Ministers has approved extending the employment of temporary government employees, And the stock exchange posted another drop today. [02] CASOULIDESForeign Minister Ioannis Cassoulides said that despite the fact that efforts are being made to usher in peace in the region, Greece and Cyprus are working fervently, but silently on bolstering the defence of the island.Mr. Cassoulides made the remark after a meeting with Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who was joined by his Cypriot counterpart, Socratis Hasikos. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that he had discussed with Mr. Cassoulides, the new conditions being formed in the geopolitical sphere of Greece and Cyprus, with the aim of strengthening the Republic of Cyprus. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that Greece is setting the foundations for defence and security, with the aim of creating the greatest possible deterrent force, while simultaneously boosting the economy. The Greek Defence Minister stressed that the Greek and Cypriot course of action remains in full effect, highlighted by the support for the Common Defence Pact, strengthening Cyprus resolution efforts, and pushing forward with the island's course towards European Union accession. At the same time, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, the two countries are working closely together to promote their mutual economic interests, particularly in the Balkan region. Referring specifically to the decisions taken at the EU Helsinki summit, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the summit entrenched Cyprus's EU accession course, affirming that negotiations will be conducted unimpeded and that the island will accede, irrespective that a solution to the Cyprus problem is found or not. [03] ANTILOGOSPresident Clerides estimates that the involvement to the international community in resolution efforts will be dynamic and determined, during the third phase of the United Nations' plan of action on the Cyprus problem.In remarks to the newspaper Antilogos, President Clerides said the phase in which the Cyprus issue is entering, is vital to the future of Cypriot Hellenism. [04] OWENFormer British Foreign Secretary Lord David Owen has said that there are good signs now about the Cyprus problem, adding that Cyprus will certainly accede to the European Union, since it is so far ahead in negotiations over other candidate countries.Lord Owen, who was received by President Clerides this morning, is in Cyprus to speak later today at the Economist Conference on Cyprus' course towards Europe. Later, he will travel to the occupied areas to meet with Rauf Denktash. In remarks following his meeting with President Clerides, Lord Owen said that there are many points that are very favourable for a Cyprus solution. Outlining some of those points, Lord Owen said that Cyprus will undoubtedly accede to the EU, and that Turkey's status as accession candidate also bodes well for a solution. He added that the Greek-Turkish rapprochement, as well as the interest shown by the United States over a Cyprus solution within a UN framework, are also positive signs. [05] GERMANYTurkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be received by German Foreign Minister Yiosca Fischer not only in Berlin, but in other city as well, during the former's visit to Germany.This decision was taken by the German Foreign Minister, after a request by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou to Mr. Fischer. Germany has repeatedly assured that the invitation extended to Mr. Denktash for a meeting with the German Foreign Minister does not overturn the country's legal position on Cyprus, but constitutes part of its efforts to contribute to resolution efforts. [06] DENKTASHTurkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash claimed that he had taken the necessary steps during the first round of proximity talks in New York, to build bridges that, according to him, will lead the reunification of two states under the condition that their equality and sovereignty is accepted.Mr. Denktash, who was speaking during a wide-ranging conference ahead of the second round of proximity talks in Geneva, said the Geneva talks are being held because the distance between views had narrowed somewhat. He added that we would move towards an improved situation, if a third round is held. The Turkish Cypriot leader also said that the granting of candidate status to Turkey by the European Union creates new conditions which the country must take advantage of. [07] CONSTANTOPOULOSArriving in Cyprus this morning, Greek Coalition Party President Nicos Constantopoulos said the Cyprus problem constitutes a priority on the Greek foreign policy agenda and must be dealt with based on United Nations resolutions.In remarks at Larnaca airport, Mr. Constantopoulos said the responsibility for the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved all these years is on the shoulders of the international community, which is dragging its feet over implementing the principles of international law. He noted that Turkey's immutable stance is also to blame for the prolongation of the Cyprus issue. The Coalition Party President will be received by President Clerides and will meet with all party leaders, as well as attending the Pancyprian Cyprus Greens Conference. [08] ARCHBISHOPArchbishop Chrysostomos again repeated his opposition to a federal solution, in remarks following a meeting with Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.Archbishop Chrysostomos stressed that the Greek Cypriot side must in no way accept a solution dividing the island, adding that human rights must be restored. The Greek Defence Minister said that Greece and Cyprus must take full advantage of the new situation in Europe, in order to achieve the best possible results and to guarantee peace and coexistence between all the island's inhabitants. [09] WORLDAnd now headlines around the world in brief:A pro-Russian Chechen leader said he would hold talks with rebel commanders in the breakaway region's capital Grozny where Moscow's advance has been bogged down by bloody street fighting. - - - - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo on Sunday for talks on accelerating Israeli peace moves with the Palestinians and Syria. - - - - European leaders will urge governments around the world to open their archives to help track down Nazi war criminals and to prevent the Holocaust from ever happening again. - - - - - Northern Ireland Protestant politicians reacted furiously to reports that IRA guerrillas had told the British province's independent disarmament body that no weapons handover was imminent. [10] TEMPSThe Council of Ministers has approved extending the employement of temporary government workers, whose appointment was nullified by a Supreme Court decision last December.An official announcement said the extention is valid until December 31, 2000. In another decision, the Council of Ministers approved the debate on a bill granting honourary pensions to artists. An official announcement said that within this year, the Ministry of Education and Culture will move ahead with the formation of the appropriate committees to implement the bill and draft a budget. [11] EXCHANGEThe Cyprus stock exchange took another dive today in both the general index and volume.The index closed at 596 points, compared with just over 600 yesterday. Volume closed at around 16 million pounds. [12] LIMASSOLLimassol's civic authorities have assured the city's residents that it will never permit a prejudiced decisions against the city regarding water limitations, and that will will protect and secure the rights of all Limassol consumers.At the same time, the authorities welcomed the Government Spokesman's latest remarks that the Council of Ministers is looking into alternative solutions, which the authorities interpret as a final and conclusive abandonment of the proposal to construct a desalination plant in the Lady's Mile area. [13] SNOWPolice have announced that all roads leading to Troodos are open, but very slippery, and that alla vehicles must be equipped with tire chains or have four-wheel drive capability.[14] WEATHERMainly fine this afternoon with periods of cloud. A light snowfall is expected over the highest mountains.Winds will be northwesterly moderate, 4 beaufort, but strong, 5 to 6 beaufort in windward areas, on moderate to rough seas. Tonight will remain fine with more snow falling over the highest mountains. Winds will stay northwesterly, but will turn light to moderate, 3 to 4 beaufort on slight to moderate seas. The temperature will drop to 2 degrees inland, 4 degrees along the coasts and minus five degrees over the highest reaches of the Troodos mountains. Frost will form over most areas. Snow depth on Mount Olympus is 40 centimetres, and on Troodos square, 35 centimetres. Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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